Issyk-Kul, Kyrgystan

These days in Kyrgystan have been the best of the whole trip. The scenery is gorgeous, and we've had some amazing experiences.

Here we saw a demonstration of the skills of the eagle hunters. With the backdrop of the Tian Shan Mountains, it was spectacular. 

Holding this eagle was a peak experience for me.

From there we drove to Kyzyl-Tuu village, which is the centre of yurtmaking in Kyrgystan. We watched how the willow branches are stripped, steamed and bent to make the roof supports. Then we helped put a yurt together. It is such a beautiful structure - I was tempted to order one and have it shipped home as extra accommodation at the cottage. A 4 metre diameter felt yurt would cost about US$3500, plus a similar cost to have it shipped. I realize it would not be practical for conditions at home. No windows, and possibly a great attraction to critters. 

By the way, the lovely design, called "tunduk", at the top of the yurt is what is on the flag of Kyrgystan. 

Last night we slept at Tamga Yurt Lodge, a yurt camp for tourists at the edge of Lake Izzyk-Kul. We had real beds and a heater. I slept exceptionally well in those beautiful surroundings. 

 I found this beautiful selection of stones on the shore.

Sunset over the lake.

After dinner in a bigger yurt, a local family came to entertain us with traditional music. 

We ended off by dancing with the young girl. 

Sunrise this morning. 

Further on we went to "Red Rocks".

That little white dot is a yurt.

Up at the top I had a delicious cappuccino at "Coffee Peak". 

We had lunch today with a Dungan family. The Dungans were Muslim Chinese who fled from China over a hundred years ago. 

This is grandma with her youngest grandson. 

Grandma gave me a memento, which will soon be added to my plate display.

Now we are staying overnight in Karakol, which has this old Russian Orthodox church. 

Somehow we also fitted in a needle felting workshop. Most people made sheep, but I branched out to make a dragon. It isn't finished yet, and not photo worthy. 

Only two days left!